Apple Pie Pancakes Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that tastes exactly like autumn mornings, you will fall head over heels for these Apple Pie Pancakes. Imagine all the warmth of fresh apple pie and the fluffiness of classic pancakes coming together on your plate! With juicy apples, aromatic spices, and a tender crumb, Apple Pie Pancakes are pure comfort food and a perfect way to start any day with a smile.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These Apple Pie Pancakes come together with simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now! Each element brings out something special in the final stack, so don’t overlook how each one builds that irresistible pie-meets-pancake magic.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender base that makes these pancakes so pillowy-soft.
- Brown sugar: Adds a caramelly sweetness and depth that highlights the apples beautifully.
- Baking powder: Gives your pancakes a wonderful lift, making each bite light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk to create airiness and extra tenderness.
- Cinnamon: Infuses that signature apple pie flavor—don’t skimp on this cozy spice!
- Nutmeg: Provides a gentle warmth and classic touch that rounds out the spice profile.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens all the other flavors—just a little makes a huge difference.
- Buttermilk: Delivers moisture, tang, and fluffiness, making these pancakes extra special.
- Egg: Gives structure and helps bind everything for the perfect pancake texture.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps that golden brown color form beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Lends irresistible aroma and enhances the apple pie vibe.
- Peeled and chopped apple: Choose something sweet-tart like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for juicy, tasty bits in every bite.
How to Make Apple Pie Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This even distribution ensures every pancake tastes like pure apple pie from top to bottom—no bland bites!
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This step is where all the richness and aromatic layers begin. You’ll love how the buttermilk and vanilla set the stage for the apples and spices.
Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Use a gentle hand and stir until just combined. Some streaks of flour are totally fine—overmixing can make pancakes tough, and you want these Apple Pie Pancakes to be extra tender!
Step 4: Add the Apples
Fold in your peeled and finely chopped apple. The smaller the pieces, the easier they cook through and the more evenly sweet apple flavor you’ll get throughout every bite. Just a couple gentle folds will do the trick.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, scoop 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Let them cook until bubbles dot the surface and the edges firm up, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery right about now!
Step 6: Serve Warm
Stack those gorgeous, golden Apple Pie Pancakes on a plate and get ready to add your favorite toppings! They’re a treat all on their own, but a little something extra never hurts (see serving ideas below!).
How to Serve Apple Pie Pancakes

Garnishes
Take your Apple Pie Pancakes from great to absolutely stunning with a few thoughtful garnishes. A drizzle of pure maple syrup brings glossy sweetness and highlights the spicy, apple flavors. A dollop of whipped cream is always welcome for that dessert-for-breakfast moment. For an even bigger treat, sauté some extra apple slices with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar to spoon over the top. Don’t forget a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
Round out your breakfast with some sides that make Apple Pie Pancakes feel even more special. Crispy bacon or sausage balance the sweet flavors and add protein, while simple scrambled eggs make for a hearty, filling plate. For a lighter touch, pair with Greek yogurt and fresh berries—the tang and freshness really complement the warm spices and apples.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make Apple Pie Pancakes a true showstopper? Try stacking them high, dusting with powdered sugar, and threading thin apple slices between each pancake layer. Or, serve mini stacks in mason jars for a brunch party, layering pancakes with sautéed apples and cinnamon yogurt. You can even roll them up with a cream cheese filling for a fun, Swiss roll-inspired twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Apple Pie Pancakes, let them cool completely. Stack them with a piece of parchment between each to prevent sticking, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, ready for a quick reheat on busy mornings.
Freezing
Apple Pie Pancakes freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy a cozy, homemade breakfast whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Apple Pie Pancakes on a skillet over low heat, flipping once—this brings them back to just-cooked softness. You can also microwave them for about 20–30 seconds if you’re in a hurry. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or zap in the microwave in 15-second bursts until hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are top choices for their crisp texture and bright flavor, feel free to use any apple you enjoy eating. Softer varieties may fall apart a bit more but will still taste delicious in the pancakes.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes. This quick hack gives you the same tender, tangy results in your Apple Pie Pancakes!
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder and other add-ins are gluten-free, and you’ll have pancakes nearly identical to the original.
How do I prevent my pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Always start with a lightly greased, preheated nonstick skillet or griddle. A thin swipe of butter or oil between batches works wonders, and letting the pan reheat between batches also helps prevent sticking.
Can I add extras like nuts or raisins?
You bet! Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a few raisins to the batter for texture and a flavor boost. You can experiment with a pinch of cloves or ginger too, if you want an even more classic apple pie flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for the ultimate comfort food breakfast, Apple Pie Pancakes bring together all the best parts of two iconic classics in one impossibly delicious stack. Whether you make them on a crisp weekend morning or as a heartwarming weekday treat, they’re guaranteed to make your kitchen smell glorious and your tastebuds happy. Give this recipe a try—you’re going to love every bite!
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Apple Pie Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Pie Pancakes are a delicious twist on traditional pancakes, filled with warm spices and chunks of fresh apple. Perfect for a cozy fall breakfast!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additions:
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Add Apples: Fold in the chopped apples.
- Cook Pancakes: Heat a skillet over medium heat, pour batter, cook until bubbles form, flip and cook until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with maple syrup or whipped cream.
Notes
- Add chopped walnuts or a pinch of cloves for extra flavor.
- For a topping, sauté additional apples with a bit of butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg